Obtaining a Concession
The request for obtaining a concession for geological exploration and exploitation of mineral raw materials is submitted to the competent Ministry.
Mining Process
The mining process represents and encompasses a series of actions undertaken to obtain quality mineral raw materials from the Earth’s crust. Our Company applies all legal regulations prescribed for this field, as well as standards during coal exploitation, all with the aim of obtaining the highest quality coal, which is further used for industrial purposes and general consumption. The entire mining process is presented in 11 steps.
Geological Exploration Project
Upon obtaining a concession for geological exploration, the preparation of a Geological Exploration Project is initiated. The project must be certified by the Review Commission appointed by the state.
Report on Reserves and Quality of Mineral Raw Materials
By carrying out the main details of geological exploration, the scope of exploratory works is defined. After the exploration, laboratory tests are conducted and a Report on the Reserves and Quality of the Mineral Raw Material for which the concession is requested is prepared. The report is subject to revision by the competent Ministry.
Feasibility Study of Mineral Raw Material Exploitation
After the revision of the Report, a Feasibility Study of the exploitation of the mineral raw material is prepared. If the Study shows positive results, the preparation of the Main Exploitation Project follows.
Main Exploitation Project
The Main Exploitation Project defines the technology and capacities. It is subject to revision by a Commission appointed by the competent Ministry, which issues a Revision Clause for the specific project.
Main Exploitation Project
Approval for Works Execution
A request for approval of works defined by the Main Exploitation Project is submitted to the competent Ministry. To obtain approval, the Company must prepare all necessary documentation as defined by the Mining Law.
Commencement of Works
Once approval is obtained, the opening and execution of works defined by the Main Mining Project begin. The competent Ministry for mining and the state mining inspector must be notified of the commencement of works.
Execution of Mining Works
Upon obtaining all permits and gathering the necessary project documentation, mining works are carried out in phases. First comes excavation, followed by loading and transport of the humus, which is stored for later use in land reclamation. Drilling and blasting works are the next phase in the execution of mining operations.
Overburden and Coal
Upon completion of drilling and blasting works, excavation, loading, and transport of overburden to the internal dump begins. The overburden is crushed and then transported to the external dump, after which excavation, loading, and transport of coal is carried out.
Coal Processing and Delivery
At the “Doganje” Separation Plant, coal is crushed, separated, and classified for general consumption. Crushing and delivery of coal for the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant is carried out at the “Maljevac” crushing plant.
Reclamation
Reclamation refers to mining works carried out in the exploitation field to rehabilitate surfaces degraded by mining operations, in accordance with the mining project. Under the Mining Law, the concessionaire is obliged during and after completion of exploitation works, and no later than one year after their completion, to repurpose the land in the exploitation field according to the land reclamation project. Pljevlja Coal Mine JSC rehabilitates exploited areas, allocating funds for this purpose annually in its budget.